Strong international wholesale orders and sustained momentum in athletic footwear lifted Wolverine World Wide’s Q3, FY27 revenue by 7.5 per cent Y-o-Y to $505.4 million, marking eight straight quarters of expansion. While broader apparel retail faces uneven consumer spending, Wolverine’s Active Group advanced 9.9 per cent to $387.8 million. Saucony increased by 9.4 per cent to $158.9 million - propelled by its Endorphin Azura franchise launch - while Merrell rose by 6.5 per cent to $178.2 million across global markets. International revenue climbed by 11.7 per cent to $271.2 million, outpacing direct-to-consumer gains of 2.2 per cent.

Tariff refunds and debt reduction expand full-year capital capacity

Gross margin widened by 710 basis points to 54.6 per cent, aided by $35.3 million in International Emergency Economic Powers Act tariff refunds, while net debt fell 26.4 per cent to $399 million.  The company’s brand-building model has proven to be effective, delivering eight consecutive quarters of top-line growth, says Chris Hufnagel, President and CEO. However, legacy workwear and activewear brand resets remain ongoing challenges, with Wolverine brand sales dipping 4.1 per cent and Sweaty Betty declining 7 per cent. Management raised full-year FY26 revenue guidance to $2.00–$2.01 billion and free cash flow projections to $155–$170 million, positioning the group to fund 2027 product introductions.

Targeting $2 billion in FY26 revenue

Founded in 1883 in Rockford, Michigan, Wolverine World Wide designs, manufactures, and markets performance footwear and apparel globally. Anchored by Merrell, Saucony, Wolverine, and Sweaty Betty, the company is reducing debt and pruning slow inventory to fund international wholesale expansion, targeting $2.00–$2.01 billion in FY26 revenue.